Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

It was a small village. It was known who went to church, and those who only went to a funeral or a wedding, or perhaps at Christmas. So when a prominent villager stopped receiving communion this too was noticed. Running a number of parishes it took me a week or two to see that the man was in church, but not going up to the altar rail. I assumed at first that he had a cold, and didn't want to inflict it on others, although communion wine in a silver cup was until covid thought pretty safe. Finally, I went to visit him. It turned out that he had taken the above reading from Matthew's Gospel to heart, and finding himself at odds with a neighbour after an almighty row felt unable to receive communion.

So is Jesus really saying if you lose your temper with someone it's as bad as murdering someone? No, thank goodness, He is not! This is not the momentary anger that rises for a moment, and is forgotten again as quickly. As one scholar points out Jesus uses a Greek word for anger that indicates someone who harbours a grievance, who nurtures it until it grows and consumes him. There is no attempt at reconciliation, indeed the anger continues to grow and its flames are fanned.

As for the member of the congregation, well we prayed and talked things through, and I left him to seek reconciliation with the other person.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You taught Your disciples
and all who would listen,
and You still teach us today
that we should learn to forgive others.
May we come to You to confess
all our sins and ask Your forgiveness.
Then, help us to put things right
with all with whom we have disagreed.
Amen.